Selector arrangement for typewriters having fewer operating means than typelevers



Dec. 27, 1966 EICHEMEYER ETAL SELECTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS HAVING FEWER OPERATING MEANS THAN TYPELEVERS Filed April 10, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 A, ZQIVENTORS M M yL/f kw rah 6v ATTORNEY 1966 H. EI CHEMEYER ETAL 3,294,117

SELECTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS HAVING FEWER OPERATING MEANS THAN TYPELEVERS Filed April 10, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet '2 8 I g no M .1) M

-INVENTOR5 A TTORNE Y H. .EICH EM EYER ET AL 3,294,117

Dec. 27, 1966 SELECTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS HAVING FEWER OPERATING MEANS THAN TYPELEVERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 10, 1964 INVENTOR?) A TTORNE Y Dec. 27, 1966 H. EICHEMEYER ETAL 3,

SELECTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS HAVING FEWER OPERATING MEANS THAN TYPELEVERS Filed April 10. 1964 e Sheets-Sheet a a //v VENTORJ A TTORNE Y Dec. 27, 1966 SELECTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS HAVING FEWER Filed April 10. 1964 H. EICHEMEYER ETAL 3,294,117

OPERATING MEANS THAN TYPELEVERS =1 1 A 5 M/AmhnM/hnhn [6 1/ l q 33 2 l6/ l7, 1/;

f? 32 i i" 16 u 1 u I! F/GQB A TTORNE Y 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 United States Patent 19 Claims. (c1. 197 17 The present invention relates to a selector arrangement for typewriters, and like business machines, and more particularly to typewriters whose type lever actions are coupled to a power roll by movable coupling elements which are controlled by electromagnetic means so that the typewriter is suited for remote control.

It is known to provide electromagnetic means for shifting coupling elements to an operative position cooperating with the power roll of the machine. One electromagnetic means is correlated with each type lever action and coupling element, and each electromagnetic means is energized by a key operated selector switch, or by an impulse supplied from a corresponding keyboard at a remote station.

The electromagnetic means used for this purpose must have substantial dimensions since a minimum cross section of the magnetic core, and of the windings is required to assure an absolutely reliable operation of the coupling elements. Since each electromagnetic means is substantially wider than the correlated coupling element and type lever action, it is not convenient to arrange all electromagnetic means in one row. In known constructions, the electromagnetic means are arranged in at least two rows and staggered to each other. This construction has disadvantages, inasmuch as the rows of electromagnetic means have to be arranged along an arc with armatures moving in radial direction corresponding to the arc of the type levers. A construction of this type is disclosed in the US. Patent No. 1,520,478 which discloses eight rows of electromagnetic means. Another solution is to provide connecting members between the armatures of the electromagnetic means and the corresponding coupling elements for the type lever actions, and to shape the connecting members differently, as disclosed in the German Patent 652,434. In certain constructions, the distance of movement of the armature and the air gap are different for different electromagnetic means due to the difierent length of the lever arms in the several rows, as disclosed in the US. Patent No. 1,456,533.

The US. Patent No. 1,324,751 discloses an arrangement in which electromagnetic means are of a special flat construction and are arranged spaced the same distances from each other as the type lever actions, however, in order to provide the necessary number of ampere turns, each electromagnetic means must have two coils and a correspondingly long armature so that considerable space is taken up in the typewriter. Irrespective of the particular arrangement of the electromagnetic means, the same either directly operate the type lever actions, which requires comparatively large electromagnetic means, or operate a coupling member cooperating with a power roll, which permits the use of smaller electromagnetic means. Such an arrangement is disclosed in the US. Patent No. 2,687,199.

It is the object of the present invention to improve the prior art constructions in which electromagnetic means are used for causing actuation of type lever actions, and similar devices of a typewriter, and to provide a selector arrangement for causing actuation of selected type lever actions by power means which take up a minimum of space.

Another object of the present invention is to operate a given number of type lever actions and like devices, by a smaller number of operating means, such as electromag netic means. i

Another object of the invention is to provide a selector arrangement in which by manual actuation of selector means, movable elements, such as the coupling elements between the power roll and the type lever actions of a typewriter, can be moved by a number of electromagnetic means smaller than the number of movable elements.

Another object of the invention is to provide for groups of elements to be moved, only one electromagnetic operating means, and to provide an electromagnetic control means for coupling the electromagnetic operating means to selected movable elements.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the number of electric connecting lines connecting teletype machines while maintaining the full number of type lever actions.

With these objects in view, the present invention relates to a selector arrangement, which is particularly suited for remote controlled typewriters. 'One embodiment of the invention comprises a set of movable elements which may be adapted to operate type lever actions; a set of operating means, preferably electromagnetic means, respectively correlated with groups of the movable elements; control means, preferably electromagnetic control means connected to the operating means for moving the actuated part, for example an actuating member controlled by the armature, between a plurality of coupling positions in which the operating means cooperate with different movable elements of the respectivegroup; and selector means, for example keys and selector switches operated by the keys, for actuating the control means and for selectively actuating the operating means 'so that any selected movable element is moved, for example to a position engaged and actuated by the power roll of the typewriter.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention groups of key-operated selector switches are connected to each electromagnetic operating means, and all selector switches are connected to the electromagnetic control means. The control means include a pair of electromagnetic means for moving a control member in opposite directions, the control member being connected to all actuating parts of the electromagnetic operating means for moving the same from a central inoperative position to two coupling positions cooperating with a pair of movable elements.

In another embodiment of the invention another pair of electromagnetic control means is provided for moving another control member in a direction transverse to the movement of the first control member so that the actuatingpa'rts of all electromagnetic operating means can be moved between four positions cooperating with four movable elements to move a selected movable element into engagement with the power roll.

Since each operating means is used for actuating several movable elements, only half the number of operating means is required if each operating means actuates two movable elements, one third of the operating means is required if each operating means actuates three movable elements, and only one fourth of the operating means are required if each operating means cooperates with a group of four movable elements as compared with the machines of the prior art The advantages of such an arrangement will be appreciated when it is considered that the standard typewriter requires forty-six electromagnetic operating means. Consequently, a single row of electromagnetic operating means will be suflicient in the machine according to the present invention, where according to the prior art two or three or four rows of electromagnetic means have to be arranged in staggered positions. The construction is very compact, and requires only little space in the machine. Since in the preferred embodiment of the invention, coupling elements are moved into engagement with the power roll whose power is used for actuating the type lever actions, small electromagnetic operating means can be used, as compared with arrangements where the type lever actions are directly operated by the electromagnetic operating means.

Furthermore, since the movable elements are not manually moved to the position engaged by the power roll, but are shifted by the electromagnetic operating means, the force exerted by the operator on the keys is extremely small, since nothing more than the closing of selector switches is required.

In view of the fact that the number of electromagnetic operating means is reduced as compared with known constructions, the arrangement of the present invention is particularly suited for machines which are controlled from a remote station, or which control other machines located at a remote station, since fewer connecting lines are required between the station.

The number of connecting lines between the stations may be further reduced by a cascade circuit with coding and decoding stages. A coding magnet at the controlling keyboard cooperates with a decoding magnet at the controlled typewriter mechanism so that one line in the connecting cable connects the coding and decoding magnets in series.

The novel features which are considered as characteristics for the invention are. set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side view, partially in section, illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the electric circuit of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and part of the corresponding circuit at a remote station;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view, partially in section, illustrating another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic front view illustrating several positions of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic front view illustrating several positions of a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the electric circuit of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3, a known typewriter mechanism includes a series of type actions, of which only one is shown in the drawing. Each type action includes a type bar 5 mounted with other type bars on a carrier segment for turning movement about an arcuate shaft 5', a wire link 4, an intermediate lever 3 turnable about a pivot 3" and a coupling element 2 connected by a pin 3' to one end of the lever 3. Each coupling element is turnable about pin 3' between the inoperative position illustrated in FIG. 2, and an operative position in which the projection 2' is engaged by a projecting ridge of a power roll 1. It will be understood that insteadof the toothed power roll, a cylindrical power roll cooperating with a displaceable eccentric cam, may be provided. When projection 2 of coupling element 2 is engaged by the power roll, lever 3 is rocked in clockwise direction, and causes movement of the type bar toward the platen, not shown. Coupling element 2 and levers 3 may also be provided to actuate other devices of the typewriter, for example devices for setting or clearing tabulator tabs, line spacing, back spacing, carriage return, and decimal tabulating. v

As best seen in FIG. 3, two elements 2 are located opposite the end portions 6' of a set of actuating members 6. As best seen in FIG. 1, each actuating member 6 is mounted in an opening 7' of an armature part 7 which is turnably mounted on the fixed armature 8 of an electromagnetic operating means 9. A spring 10 acts on the movable part 7 of the armature to turn the same about the fulcrum 7" in clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, so that the actuating members 6 are normally retracted to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. When any electromagnetic operating means 9 is energized, and its armature attracted, actuating member 6 will be shifted to the left as viewed in FIG. 2 to the position illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2 whereby element 2 is moved to the operative position in which it is engaged and actuated by the power roll 1 to operate the corresponding type lever action. A spring 12 is connected to each element 2 to hold the same normally in the illustrated inoperative position, and when an element 2 is moved downwardly by the power roll, it is held by a leaf spring 30 in the operative position engaged by the power roll even after actuating member 6 has been returned by the action of spring 10 to the normal inoperative position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2.

A control member 16 extends across all actuating members 6 and has an upright flange provided with uniformly spaced openings 16 in which the end portions 6 of actuating members 6 are located, as best seen in FIG. 1. Openings 16 help to guide actuating members 6 during movement toward and away from the elements 2. Armatures 16 are secured to the ends of control member 16 and are operated by electromagnetic control means 17 and 17,. Control member 16 has elongated slots 16;, into which stationary pins 20 project so that the control member is guided for movement in one direction transverse to the direction of movement of actuating members 6 toward and away from the elements 2. By energization of one or the other of the electromagnetic control means 17 and 17,, control member 16 can be shifted between two positions, and since all actuating members are located in openings 16 all actuating members 6 are shifted together with control member 16 between one coupling position located opposite only one element 2, and another coupling position located opposite the adjacent element 2, the two coupling positions of one actuating member 6 being shown in broken lines in FIG. 3, and it will be understood that all actuating members 6 are shifted simultaneously between such coupling positions when control member 16 is shifted by the electromagnetic control means.

Fork-shaped springs 19 are mounted on pins 16.; on control member 16 and have prongs engaging pins 18 on the stationary frame of the machine. Consequently, control member 16, and all actuating members are normally held in the position illustrated in FIG. 3 in which the end face of each end portion 6' is located opposite two elements 2. This position is an inoperative position, since it is not desired to actuate two elements 2 at the same time. Instead of two electromagnetic control means, it would also be possible to provide the spring pulling control member 16 to one end position, and to use a single electromagnetic control means for shifting control member 16 to the other end position against the action of such a spring.

It will be seen that each electromagnetic control means 9 is correlated with a group of elements 2, two elements 2 forming a group in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4.

Consequently, only half the number of electromagnetic operating means 9 than the number of coupling elements 2 is required.

Two keys 15 and 15, are correlated with each electromagnetic operating means 9, and with the respective two elements 2. Each key forms part of selector means 14, and controls a selector switch 14 or 14,, respectively. The selector switches control the energization of the set of electromagnetic operating means 9, and of the two electromagnetic control means 17 and 17,, as will now be explained with reference to a circuit diagram of FIG. 4.

Each pair of selector switches has two connected terminals connected to one terminal of the winding of the correlated electromagnetic operating means 9, and to a condenser 29 connected in parallel with the respective winding. The other terminals of all switches 14 are connected by a line 21 to a switch 27 and assuming this switch to be shifted to the left as viewed in FIG. 4, line 21 is connected to the electromagnetic control means 17 whose other terminal is connected to the positive terminal 23 of a source of voltage. A line 21, which connects the other terminals of selector switches 14, is connected through a switch 27,, assumed to be shifted to the left as viewed in FIG. 4, to the electromagnetic control means 17, whose other terminal is also connected to the positive terminal 23 of the source of voltage.

The negative terminal 22 of the source of voltage is connected to the other terminals of the electromagnetic operating means 9. Only a limited number of selector switches and electromagnetic operating means is illustrated in FIG. 4, and it will be understood that this number corresponds to the number of type lever actions, or other devices of the typewriter, which are to be operated.

FIG. 4 also shows schematically control member 16, actuating members 6, and coupling elements 2. The arrows 19 schematically indicate the spring forces of springs 19 which tend to hold the actuating members 6 in the inoperative intermediate position shown in FIG. 4.

Switches 27 and 27, are connected to each other by a rod for simultaneous shifting movements, and are arrested in each position by a resilient catch cooperating with arresting notches in the connecting member, as schematically indicated at 28 in FIG. 4. The upper portion of FIG. 4 is surrounded by a dash and dot line, indicating that the apparatus within this box forms part of one typewriter.

Another typewriter equipped in the same manner, includes a set of pairs of selector switches 25 and 25, which are connected to the electromagnetic operating means in the same manner as selector switches 14 and 14,, and which are connected to the other stationary contacts of switches 27 and 27,. Lines 24 are shown as broken lines to indicate that the lower portion of FIG. 4 located in the box shown in dash and dot lines, is located remote from the parts shown in the upper box of- FIG. 4, and connected by a cable including lines 24 to the same.

If the typewriter shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and in the upper portion of FIG 4, is to be operated by its own keyboard, and without making use of the connection to another typewriter, or other typewriters, located at a remote station, switches 27, and 27, are shifted to the left as viewed in FIG. 4 so that lines 21 and 21, are connected to the corresponding electromagnetic control means 17 and 17,.

Assuming that a selected key 15 is operated, the corresponding selector switch 14 is closed, and -.a current flows from the negative pole 22 through the correlated electromagnetic operating means 9, the closed selector switch 14 switch 27 and electromagnetic control means 17 to the positive pole of the source of voltage. Since the respective capacitor 29 is charged, electromagnetic operating means 9 is energized with a short delay after energization of electromagnetic control means 17 The energized electromagnetic control means 17 pulls control member 16 o the left against the action of springs 19 which tend to hold control member 16 6 in an intermediate position in which all actuating thembers 6 are in the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 3. Control member 16 pulls the end portions 6' of all actuating members 6 to the left so that they assume the left position shown in broken lines for only one actuating member in FIG. 3. All actuating members 6 are thus turned to a position cooperating with the left element 2 of the pair of elements 2 with which they are respectively correlated.

While all actuating members 6 are controlled by the electromagnetic control means 17 in the present example, only one electromagnetic operating means 9 is energized by the respective selector switch 14 and this electromagnetic operating means shifts actuating member 6 toward the left element 2 of the respective pair or group so that the respective actuating member 6 assumes the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2 and moves the coupling element 2 which is correlated with the actuated key 14 to the operative position in which projection 2' is engaged by the power roll 1 so that coupling element 2 is pulled down and actu-ates the type lever action against the force of spring 13. The force of the electromagnetic operating means 9 is sufficient to overcome the force of springs 10 and 12. When key 15 is released and selector switch 14 opens, electromagnetic operating means 9 is de-energized, and spring 10 retracts actuating member 6. If coupling member 2 has not yet completed its movement under the control of the power roll, spring 30 holds coupling element 2 in the operative position cooperating with the power roll, but after a certain turning angle of the power roll, the force of spring 12 will be sufficient to return coupling element 2 to the inoperative position, and the power roll will release projection 2.

It will be understood that a corresponding operation will take place when a key 15, is depressed to close the selector switch 14,, the only difference being that the current will flow through switch 27, to electromagnetic control means 17,, resulting in shifting of control member 16 with all actuating members to the right as viewed in the drawing so that the actuating members 6 are located opposite the right hand elements 2 of the respective pairs so that the single energized electromagnetic operating means 9 will actuate the right hand coupling element 2 on the respective pair of coupling elements.

As previously noted, the coupling elements may also be used for obtaining drive of other devices of the typewriter by the power roll, for example the line spacing mechanism, the back spacer, the carriage return, and tabulating operations may be controlled as described above for a type lever action.

If the typewriter is to be controlled from a remote station, switches 27 and 27, are shifted to the right as viewed in FIG. 4 so that selector switches 14 and 14, are disconnected from the circuit. Selector switches 25 and 25, are now connected to the electromagnetic control means 17 and 17,, and to the electromagnetic operating means 9 as previously described for the selector switches 14 and 14,. Consequently, operation of a key controlling a selector switch 25 or 25, at the remote station, will cause the same operation as described above, and it will be possible to operate the typewriter from a remote station through a number of connecting lines 24 which corresponds to the number of electromagnetic opcrating means 9 which in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 is only half the number of controlled type lever actions. However, two additional lines are required for connecting the remote station with the switches 27 and 27,, but assuming that forty-six type lever actions are provided only twenty-five connecting lines 24 will be required for the cable between the stations, instead of forty-six lines. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the actuating members 6 which may be considered parts of the electromagnetic operating means 9, are turned about joints 7 in a horizontal plane, and consequently the end faces of the end portions 6' would be slanted to the opposite faces of coupling elements 2' in the coupling positions of the actuating members 6. It is preferred to form such end faces concave and arcuate, so that the portion of the concave end face engaging one of the coupling elements 2 in a coupling position, is substantially parallel to the respective face or edge of the respective coupling element 2.

As ex lained above, the selector switches 25 and 25 form part of a typewriter corresponding to the typewriter disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 3, and consequently such other typewriter at a remote station can be operated by selector switches 14 and 14,.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, each electromagnetic operating means 9 is correlated with a group of two elements 2, and with a group of two selector switches 14 and 14 and actuating member 6 is normally in an inoperative intermediate position.

The arrangement can be modified by correlating groups of three coupling elements 2 with each actuating member 6 and electromagnetic operating means 9, and by controlling each electromagnetic operating means by three keys and selector switches.

FIG. 7 shows three groups of three coupling elements 2, each group being indicated by a connecting bracket. The end portions 6 are narrower than in the embodiment of FIG. 1, and the arrangement is such that in the normal intermediate position of control member 16, end portion 6' is located opposite only the middle coupling element m, as shown for the middle group of coupling elements in FIG. 7. When control member 16 is shifted to the left against the action of springs 19 by electromagnetic control means 17 end portions 6' of the actuator members 6 are located opposite the left coupling elements 2 of all groups, as shown for the left group in FIG. 7. When control member 16 is shifted to the right by electromagnetic control means 17,, all actuating members 6 are shifted to the right to positions located opposite the right coupling elements 2, as shown for the right hand groop of coupling element in FIG. 7. It will be understood that three actuating members cannot be simultaneously in the three positions shown in FIG. 7, and that each bracketed portion of FIG. 7 illustrates a different operational position.

As far as the positions of actuating members 6 displaced to the left, or to the right, as shown in the left hand portion and in the right hand portion of FIG. 7 are concerned, the operation is exactly the same as described with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, and switches corresponding to switches 14 and 14, are respectively correlated with a left and right coupling element 2 of each group and connected as shown in FIG. 4.

However, when it is desired to select the middle coupling element of a group for operation, none of the electromagnetic control means 17 and 17 must be actuated, since all actuating members 6 are already in the correct position as shown in the middle portion of FIG. 7, that is opposite the middle coupling element of all groups. A third selector switch, and a corresponding key is correlated with each electromagnetic operating means 9, but such third selector switch of each group is not connected to the electromagnetic control means 17 and 17,. which must not be energized when a middle coupling element 2 is to be shifted. Consequently, each third selector switch of the embodiment of FIG. 7 has one terminal connected directly to the correlated electromagnetic operating means '9 in the same manner as selector switches 14 and 14 but the other terminals of the third selector switches of each group are not connected to the electromagnetic control means, but directly connected to the positive terminal 23 of the source of voltage. Consequently, actuation of any selected third key and closing of the respective selector switch, will result in energization of the electromagnetic operating means 9 correlated with a respective group of keys, selector switches, and coupling elements so that the respective electromagnetic operating means 9 shifts its actuating member 6 to engage the middle coupling element trated in FIGS. and 6.

2 opposite which the actuating member 6 is normally located. Another embodiment of the invention is illus- In this embodiment, each electromagnetic operating means 9 is correlated with a group 0f four coupling elements 2 and with a group of four keys and selector switches operated by the keys. Each electromagnetic operating means 9 operates an actuating member '6 to move the same toward the coupling elements 2 when energized. All actuating members 6 are guided :in vertical slots 16 of a control member 16 which corresponds to control member 16 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, and which is shifted by first and second electromagnetic control means, as described with reference to FIG. 3. Slots 16 have the same width as the actuating members 6 so that the same are shifted to the right or to the left out of a middle position when one of the two electromagnetic control means is energized. The normal central position of all actuating members 6 and more particularly the position of the end portion 6' is shown in the left portion of FIG. 6, and it will be seen that end portion 6' is located opposite the two middle coupling elements b and c of the respective group of four coupling elements Z when control member 16,, is in its normal intermediate position in which it is held by springs corresponding to springs 19 of FIG. 3.

The coupling elements a and c of each group have two higher projections 2 and the coupling elements b and d have lower projections 2"' The projections of coupling elements a and d project toward the inner coupling elements I; and c and the projections of the coupling elements b and 0 project toward coupling elements a. and d. Each projection has at a free end thereof a forwardly projecting bent over abutment portion closely spaced from the abutment portion of the adjacent coupling element. Upon operation of an actuating member, the end face of the same engages only the bent over forwardly projecting abutment portions of the projections.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the actuating members 6 are not only guided in the slots of control member 16 but are also guided in horizontal slots 16 of a second control member 16 which can be raised and lowered by a second pair of electromagnetic control means 35 and 35 Control member 16 has a pair of arms 32 mounted on a shaft 31 for angular movement about a horizontal axis. The'armature 33 is common to both electromagnetic control means 35 and 35 and secured to control member 16 and to arms 3-2 for movement with the same. A core 34 with higher and lower parts surrounded by windings, and a central part 34 normally located opposite the movable armature 33 when the same is held by a spring means, not shown, in the illustrated normal position in which all actuating members 6 are in the position shown for the left group in FIG. 6. When electromagnetic control means 35 is energized, the movable armature 33 is raised together with control member 16 until the stop projection 16' abuts the upper part of a stationary stop means 36. When the lower electromagnetic control means 35 is energized, armautre 33 and control member 16 are moved down until the lower part of stop 36 limits such movement.

Since all actuating members 6 are located in horizontal slots 16 of control member 16 they are correspondingly raised and lowered to the positions illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 5, and also shown in the middle portion and in the right hand portion of FIG. 6. The joint 7' is constructed to permit movement of actuating members 6 not only in a horizontal plane under the control of control members 16 but also in a vertical plane under the control of control member 16 The four key-operated selector switches of each group are all connected to one correlated electromagnetic means 9, and all selector SWitches are also connected to the first electromagnetic control means 17 and 17,, and to the second electromagnetic control means 35 and 35 in such a manner that by operation of each selector switch of a group, the respective actuating member 6 can be moved between four coupling positions respectively cooperating with the four coupling elements 2 of the correlated group. FIG. 6 shows in the middle portion and in the right hand portion two coupling positions of actuating members 6 in solid lines. In the middle portion of FIG. 6, electromagnetic control means 35,, was energized to move control member downward so that the end portion 6 of the respective actuating member 6 was lowered as compared with its normal inoperative position shown in the left portion of FIG. 6, and in solid lines in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the electromagnetic control means 17 was energized to shift control member 16,, to the right as viewed in FIG. 6 (or in FIG. 3) so that end portion 6 is located opposite only one abutment portion, namely the abutment portion of the projection 2" of coupling element 0! of the respective group. When electromagnetic operating means 9 is energized with a slight delay caused by condenser, as described with reference to FIG. 4, actuating member 6, is moved rearwardly toward the coupling elements 2, but engages only the abutment of coupling element d to shift the coupling element d toward the rotating power roll 1 which engages the projection 2' of the respective coupling element and actuates the respective type lever action.

In the event that the electromagnetic control means 17 would have been actuated by operation of another switch of this group, actuating member 6 would still be in the lower position shown in the middle portion of FIG. 6, but shifted to the left as indicated in broken lines. In this shifted position, the abutment of the coupling element 1; would be engaged by the rearw-ardly moving actuating member when electromagnetic operating means 9 is energized, whereas the abutment of coupling element d would not be located in the path of movement of the actuating member.

In the event that instead of electromagnetic control means 35,,, electromagnetic control means 35,, would have been energized by operation of the key associated with the coupling element 0 of the respective group, the actuating member would be in the higher position shown in the middle portion of FIG. 6 in chain lines, and would engage the abutment of the coupling element 0, when actuated.

The right hand portion of FIG. 6 shows in solid lines a fourth coupling position of actuating members G and this position is assumed by all actuating members when the upper electromagnetic control means 35 and the left electromagnetic control means 17 are simultaneously energized. All end portions 6' are located opposite the abutments of the coupling elements a, and when the electromagnetic operating means 9 of the respective group is energized with a delay and shifts its actuating member toward the coupling elements, only coupling element a of the group of coupling elements Z correlated with the respective electromagnetic operating means 9 is shifted toward the power roll to be actuated by the same. The right portion of FIG. 6 also shows in broken lines two other operative coupling positions of actuating member 6,, which were described with reference to the middle portion of FIG. 6. In the normal central position of the actuating members 6 shown in the left portion of FIG. 6, the end portions 6' are located opposite two abutments, namely the abutments of coupling elements d and c of all groups of coupling elements, but since in this position no electromagnetic operating means 9 can be energized by the selector switches, it is not possible to operate two coupling elements at the same time.

The disclosed embodiment of the invention employ electromagnetic means, but those skilled in the art will understand that the power required for the described operations may be provided by hydraulic or pneumatic control means and operating means, without departing 10 from the invention, in which event the select-or switches would be replaced by key-controlled valves.

The electromagnetic control means, and the electromagnetic operating means of the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6, and FIG. 7 can be operated from a remote station by key-operated selector switches, as described with reference to FIG. 4 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of selector arrangements for business machines differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a selector arrangement having an individual electromagnetic operating means for a group of coupling elements by which a corresponding group of type lever actions is actuated, and an electromagnetic control means for coupling the electromagnetic operating means with the several coupling elements of the respective group, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features, that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A selector arrangement comprising, in combination,

a set of groups of movable elements, each element being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position; a set of actuating members respectively correlated with said groups of movable elements, each actuating member being movable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located opposite different elements of the respective group, and being movable in each coupling position to an actuating position for moving the respective movable element to said operative position; control means connected to said actuating members andbeing operable for moving said actuating members simultaneously between said coupling positions; a set of operating means respectively correlated with said actuating members and operable for moving the same to and from said actuating position for moving the movable element located opposite the same in the respective coupling position to said operative position; and a set of groups of selector means, each group of selector means being correlated with one of said operating means and with the respective actuating member, and each selector means being correlated with one of said movable elements, respectively, each selector means being operatively connected with said control means to actuate the same to cause movement of the correlated actuating member to a coupling position cooperating with the respective correlated movable element, and operatively connected with the respective operating means correlated with the respective group to cause movement of the respective actuating member to said actuated position so that upon actuation of any selecor means, the corresponding movable element is moved to said operative position.

2. A selector arrangement comprising, in combination, a set of groups of movable elements, each element being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position; a set of actuatingmembers respectively correlated with said groups of movable elements, each actuating member being 'turnable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located opposite different elements of the respective group, and being movable in each coupling position to an actuating position for moving the respective movable element to said operative position; control means including a control member connected with said actuating members, respectively, and being shiftable for turning said actuating members simultaneously between said coupling positions; a set of operating means respectively correlated with said actuating members and operable for moving the same to and from said actuating position for moving the movable element located opposite the same in the respective coupling position to said operative position; and a set of groups of selector means, each group of selector means being correlated with one of said operating means and with the respective actuating member, and each selector means being correlated with one of said movable elements, respectively, each selector means being operatively connected with said control means to actuate the same to cause movement of the correlated actuating member to a coupling position cooperating with the respective correlated movable element, and operatively connected with the respective operating means correlated with the respective group to cause movement of the respective actuating members to said actuated position so that upon actuation of any selector means, the corresponding movable element is moved to said operative position.

3. A selector arrangement comprising, in combination, a set of groups of movable elements, each element being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position; a set of actuating members respectively corre lated with said groups of movable elements, each actuating member being movable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located opposite different elements of the respective group, and being movable in each coupling position to an actuating position for moving the respective movable element to said operative position; control means including electromagnetic means connected to said actuating members and being operable for moving said actuating members simultaneously between said coupling positions; a set of electromagnetic operating means respectively correlated with said actuating members and having armature means connected with said actuating means for moving the same to and from said actuating position for moving the movable element located opposite the same in the respective coupling position to said operative position; and a set of groups of selector means, each group of selector means being correlated with one of said operating means and with the respective actuating member, and each selector means being correlated with one of said movable elements, respectively, each selector means being operatively connected with said control means to actuate the same to cause movement of the correlated actuating member to a coupling position cooperating with the respective correlated movable element, and operatively connected with the respective operating means correlated with the respective group to cause movement of the respective actuating member to said actuated position so that upon actuation of any selector means, the corresponding movable element is moved to said operative position.

4. A selector arrangement comprising, in combination, a set of groups of movable elements, each element being movable from an inoperative position to an operative position; a set of actuating members respectively correlated with said groups of movable elements, each actuating member being turnable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located opposite different elements of the respective group, and being movable in each coupling position to an actuating position for moving the respective movable element to said operative position; control means including electromagnetic means having armature means, and a shiftable control member extending across said actuating members and being connected to the same, said control member being operable by said armature for turning said actuating members simultaneously between said coupling positions; a set of electromagnetic operating means respectively correlated with said actuating members and having armature means connected with said actuating means for moving the same to and from said actuating position for moving the movable element located opposite the same in the respective coupling position to said operative position; and a set of groups of selector means, each group of selector means being correlated with one of said operating means and with the respective actuating member, and each select-or means being correlated withone of said movable elements, respectively, each selector means being operatively connected with said control means to actuate the same to cause movement of the correlated actuating member to a coupling position cooperating with the respective correlated movable element, and operatively connected with the respective operating means correlated with the respective group to cause movement of the respective actuating member to said actuated position so that upon actuation of any selector means, the corresponding movable element is moved to said operative position.

5. An arrangement as set -1=orth in claim 4 wherein three movable elements are in each group; and wherein each actuating member is turnable between three coupling positions respectively located opposite said movable elements of the respective .group; and including means for normally holding said actuating member in a central coupling position so that said actuating member is selectively shifted by said control means to the other two coupling positions; and additional selector means correlated with the movable elements opposite which each actuating member is located in said central coupling position, said last mentioned selector means being connected only with the respective correlated operating means to cause movement of the respective actuating member in said central coupling position to said actuating position.

6. An arrangement as set forth in claim 4 wherein four movable elements and four selector means are in each group, each movable element of each group having a differently positioned coupling portion; and wherein each actuating member is turnable in two transverse directions between four coupling positions respectively located opposite said coupling portions of different movable elements of the respective group; and wherein said control means include a first control means connected to said actuating members for moving the same simultaneously in one of said transverse directions, and a second control means connected to said actuating members for moving the same simultaneously in the other of said transverse directions; and wherein said -four selector means of each group operate said first and second control means selectively and simultaneously.

7. An arrangement as set forth in claim 4 wherein two movable elements are in each group; and wherein each actuating member is turnable between two coupling positions respectively located opposite one of said movable elements of the respective group.

8. An arrangement as set forth in claim 7 wherein each actuating member has an inoperative position located opposite both movable elements of the respective group and is biased to normally assume said inoperative position.

9. In a typewriter, in combination, a power -roll; a set of groups of movable elements adapted to cause operations in the typewriter, when actuated, each element being movable between an inoperative position and an operative position cooperating with said power roll so as to be actuated by the same; a set of actuating members respectively correlated with said groups of movable elements, each actuating member being movable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located opposite different elements of the respective group, and being movable in each coupling position to an actuating position for moving the respective movable element to said operative position; control means connected to said actuating members and being operable for moving said actuating members simultaneously between said coupling positions; a set of operating means respectively correlated with said actuating members and operable for moving the same to and from said actuating position for moving the movable element located opposite the same in the respective coupling position to said operative position; and a set of groups of keys, each group of keys being correlated with one of said operating means, and with the respective actuating member, and each key being correlated with one of said movable elements, respectively, each key being operatively connected with said control means to actuate the same to cause movement of the correlated actuating member to a Coupling position cooperating with the respective correlated movable element, and operatively connected with the respective operating means cor-related with the respective group to cause movement of the respective actuating member to said actuated position so that upon actuation of any key, the corresponding movable element is moved to said operative position.

10. In a typewriter, in combination, a power roll; a set of groups of movable elements adapted to cause operations in the typewriter, when actuated, each element being movable between an inoperative position and an operative position cooperating with said power roll so as to be actuated by the same; a set of actuating members respectively correlated with said groups of movable elements, each actuating member being turnable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located opposite different elements of the respective group, and being movable in each coupling position to an actuating position for moving the respective movable element to said operative position; control means having armature means, and a shifta'ble control member extending across said actuating members and being connected to the same, said control member being operable by said armature for turning said actuating members simultaneously between said coupling positions; a set of operating means respectively correlated with said actuating members and operable for moving the same to and from said actuating position for moving the movable element located opposite the same in the respective coupling position to said operative position; a set of groups of keys, each group of keys being correlated with one of said operating means, and with the respective actuating member, and each key being correlated with one of said movable elements, respectively; and a selector switch actuated by each key and connected with said electromagnetic means of said control means to energize the same to cause movement of the correlated actuating member to a coupling position cooperating with the respective correlated movable element, and connected with the respective electromagnetic operating means correlated with the respective group to cause movement of the respective actuating member to said actuated position so that upon actuation of any key, the corresponding movable element is moved to said operative position.

11. In a typewriter, in combination, a power roll; a set of groups of movable elements adapted to cause operations in the typewriter when actuated, each element being movable between an inoperative position and an operative position cooperating with said power roll so as to be actuated by the same; a set of electromagnetic operating means respectively correlated with groups of said movable elements, and having actuating members movable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located to cooperate with different movable elements of the respective group, said actuating members moving toward the respective movable elements when the respective electromagnetic operating means is energized; electromagnetic control means including a movable control member connected to said actuating members for moving the same between said coupling positions; and selector means for energizing said electromagnetic control means and for 14 selectively energizing said electromagnetic operating means so that a selected movable element is moved to said operative position by said actuating member of the respective electromagnetic operating means and actuated by said power roll.

12. In a typewriter, in combination, a power roll; a set of groups of movable elements adapted to cause operations in the typewriter when actuated, each element being movable between an inoperative position and an operative position cooperating with said power roll so as to be actuated by the same; a set of electromagnetic operating means respectively correlated with groups of said movable elements, and having actuating members movable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located to cooperate with different movable elements of the respective group, said actuating members moving toward the respective movable elements when the respective electromagnetic operating means is energized; electromagnetic control means including a movable control member connected to said actuating members for moving the same between said coupling positions; a set of groups of keys and selector switches operated by said keys, each key and selector switch being correlated with one of said movable elements, each group of selector switches being connected with one of said electromagnetic operating means, respectively, and each selector switch being connected with said electromagnetic control means so that upon actuation of any selected key the correlated movable element is moved to said operative position and actuated by said power roll. j

13. In a typewriter, in combination, a power roll; a set of groups of movable elements adapted to cause operations in the typewriter when actuated, each element being movable between an inoperative position and an operative position cooperating with said power roll so as to be actuated by the same; a set of electromagnetic operating means respectively correlated with groups of said movable elements, and having actuating members turnable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located to cooperate with different movable elements of the respective group, said actuating members having concave end faces confronting said movable elements, said actuating mem: bers moving toward the respective movable elements when the respective electromagnetic operating means is energized; electromagnetic control means including a movable control member having openings recieving said parts for turning the same between said coupling positions; a set of groups of keys and selector switches operated by said keys, each key and selector switch being correlated with one of said movable elements, each group of selector switches being connected with one of said electromagnetic operating means, respectively, and each selector switch being connected with said electromagnetic control means so that upon actuation of any selected key the correlated movable element is moved to said operative position and actuated by said power roll.

14. In a typewriter, in combination, a power roll; a set of pairs of movable elements adapted to cause operations in the typewriter when actuated, each element being movable between an inoperative position and an operative position cooperating with said power roll so as to be actuated by the same; a set of electromagnetic operating means respectively correlated with pairs of said movable elements, and having actuating members movable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located opposite different movable elements of the respective pair, said actuating members having concave end faces confronting both elements of each pair in a normal inoperative position, said actuating members moving toward the respective movable elements when the respective electromagnetic operating means is energized; electromagnetic control means including two electromagnetic means having armatures, and a movable member extending across said parts and connected to the same, said armatures being connected to opposite ends of said control member for'shifting the same so that said actuating members are moved between said coupling positions; a set of pairs of keys and selector switches operated by said keys, each key and selector switch being correlated with one of said movable elements, each pair of selector switches being connected with one of said electromagnetic operating means, respectively, and said selector switches of each pair being respectively connected with said two electromagnetic means of said electromagnetic control means so that upon actuation of any selected key the correlated movable element is moved to said operative position and actuated by said power roll.

15. In a typewriter, in combination, a power roll; a set of groups of movable elements adapted to cause operations 1 in the typewriter when actuated, each element being movable between an inoperative position and an operative position cooperating with said power roll so as to be actuated by the same; a set of electromagnetic operating means respectively correlated with groups of said movable elements, and having actuating members movable between a plurality of coupling positions respectively located to cooperate with different movable elements of the respective group, said actuating members moving toward the respective movable elements when the respective electromagnetic operating means is energized; control means including a plurality of electromagnetic means having armatures, and shifting means connecting to said armatures and being connected to said actuating members, said shifting means being operable by said electromagnetic means to move between a plurality of positions for moving said actuating members between said coupling positions;

a set of groups of keys and selector switches operated by said keys, each key and selector switch being correlated with one of said movable elements, each group of selector switches being connected with one of said electromagnetic operating means, respectively, and said selector switches of each group being respectively connected with said electromagnetic means of said control means so that upon actuation of any selected key, the correlated movable element is moved to said operative position and actuated by said power roll.

16. A selector arrangement as set forth in claim 15 and including a second set of groups of other keys and other selector switches operated by the same and located at a station remote from said first mentioned keys and selector switches; and means for connecting groups of said second set of other selector switches with said electromagnetic operating means, respectively, and all said other selector switches with said electromagnetic means of said control means; and including switch means for selectively conmeeting said first mentioned selector switches or said other selector switches with said electromagnetic operating means and with said electromagnetic means.

17. A selector arrangement as set forth in claim 15 and including capacitors connected in parallel with each electromagnetic operating means so that the same operate the armatures thereof at a delay with respect to the operation of said shifting means by said electromagnetic means of said control means.

18. A selector arrangement as set forth in claim 15 wherein said control means include two first electromagnetic means for moving said shifting means in opposite directions in a first plane, and two second electromagnetic means for moving said shifting means in opposite directions in a plane perpendicular to said first plane whereby said actuating members are movable between four coupling positions respectively located for cooperation with four movable elements forming a group of movable elements; and including biasing means for holding said shifting means in a normal central position.

19. A selector arrangement as set forth in claim 18 wherein said shifting means include a first control member operated by the two first electromagnetic means in opposite directions in said first plane, and having slots for guiding said actuating members in the direction of said second plane; and a second control member operated by said two second electromagnetic means in opposite directions in said second plane and having slots for guiding said actuating members in the direction of said first plane.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,678,492 7/1928 Lambert 197 19 1,910,201 5/1933 Cordt 23sss 2,823,440 3/1958 Bauder etal 197-17 2,938,952 5/1960 Roggenstein 197-l9X ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner.

E. S. BURR, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A SELECTOR ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A SET OF GROUPS OF MOVABLE ELEMENTS, EACH ELEMENT BEING MOVABLE FROM AN INOPERATIVE POSITION TO AN OPERATIVE POSITION; A SET OF ACTUATING MEMBERS RESPECTIVELY CORRELATED WITH SAID GROUPS OF MOVABLE ELEMENTS, EACH ACTUATING MEMBER BEING MOVABLE BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF COUPLING POSITION RESPECTIVELY LOCATED OPPOSITE DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF THE RESPECTIVE GROUP, AND BEING MOVABLE IN EACH COUPLING POSITION TO AN ACTUATING POSITION FOR MOVING THE RESPECTIVE MOVABLE ELEMENT TO SAID OPERATIVE POSITION; CONTROL MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID ACTUATING MEMBERS AND BEING OPERABLE FOR MOVING SAID ACTUATING MEMBERS SIMULTANEOUSLY BETWEEN SAID COUPLING POSITIONS; A SET OF OPERATING MEANS RESPECTIVELY CORRELATED WITH SAID ACTUATING MEMBERS AND OPERABLE FOR MOVING THE SAME TO AND FROM SAID ACTUATING POSITION FOR MOVING THE MOVABLE ELEMENT LOCATED OPPOSITE THE SAME IN THE RESPECTIVE COUPLING POSITION TO SAID OPERATIVE POSITION; AND A SET OF GROUPS OF SELECTOR MEANS, 